What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Victory?

Fabio Wardley has propelled himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a surprising 11th-round stoppage win against former champion Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London.

This impressive victory extended Wardley's undefeated record to 21 fights—20 victories and one draw—with an impressive 19 stoppages.

Wardley also captured Parker's WBO 'interim' title and is now in line for a life-changing opportunity against undefeated undisputed champion the Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk.

But is Wardley likely to face at the undefeated two-weight undisputed champion?

What other fights are happening? And what other bouts might be possible?

Will Usyk Fight Wardley?

Usyk once again dazzled when stopping Daniel Dubois to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in the summer.

Just five days after that victory, the World Boxing Organization mandated the 38-year-old to begin negotiations for a defense against mandatory challenger Parker.

But the fighter suffered a back issue and was granted an extended period to begin talks with Parker's team.

Usyk said earlier this month he wanted to fight for another two years but did not plan to step back into the ring in 2025.

The governing body hasn't issued a new order for Usyk to face his mandatory opponent, but could do so soon following Wardley's victory.

Wardley was vocal about wanting to face the champion next after his recent victory.

"I have one thing to say - Usyk, Usyk," he stated after the fight.

The ex-cruiserweight titleholder may even decide to swerve Wardley.

If he does, the WBO could force him to vacate their belt and upgrade Wardley to champion.

If that scenario plays out then former IBF champion Dubois could become a possible contender for Wardley.

Which Bouts Are Confirmed?

With the champion still deciding his next fight, the heavyweight scene has stalled.

There are no world-level fights on the agenda in the closing months of next year.

There is a British heavyweight title contest on 29 November when Frazer Clarke and Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva meet at the Vaillant Arena in Derby.

The fight was initially planned for October 25th before TKV picked up an injury.

The rescheduled event will be broadcast on BBC Two and iPlayer, marking the first event in a new partnership between BBC Sport and Boxxer.

When Will Joshua Fight Next?

The boxing world is waiting for news on a fight date for two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.

Joshua has been absent since his brutal fifth-round loss at the hands of fellow Briton Dubois in September 2024.

The 36-year-old had elbow surgery in May and there have been murmurs about a possible date in December.

Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn said it's "50-50 he will return for a warm-up fight this year", but also suggested Joshua might appear on an event in the West Coast in December or possibly to an event in Saudi Arabia on 27 December.

"It might not even be something we announce weeks and weeks before because that defeats the object," Hearn told Ring Magazine.

"He is in the gym and he is staying ready so we could say 'you're out in two weeks in an eight-rounder'."

Joshua has expressed desire to compete in Africa, but it is unlikely he will feature on the anticipated Ghana event on 20 December.

His dream of fighting on the continent may have to wait until February.

When Could Itauma Fight Next?

Young prospect Moses Itauma is Britain's next great heavyweight hope—but the young fighter hasn't confirmed his next bout.

Itauma boosted his standing with a quick knockout of Dillian Whyte in August, extending his perfect record to 13 wins with 11 stoppage wins.

In the wake of that impressive victory, Itauma was connected to fights with Filip Hrgovic, Michael Hunter and domestic rival David Adeleye.

Team Itauma were considering a fight in December, with Derek Chisora suggesting he would share a card on a December date in Manchester.

But that date is now in doubt for the fighter from Chatham, who is discovering the complexities of boxing negotiations.

WBA 'regular' champion Kubrat Pulev was mandated to defend his title against Itauma on 14 October, but the 44 year-old has announced plans to fight opponent Murat Gassiev on 12 December.

The WBA order means both sides have 30 days to negotiate a deal.

Promoter Frank Warren, who represents Itauma, told media outlets that "Pulev has to fight Moses next with London and Manchester possible host cities".

Itauma has also been suggested as a potential opponent for undisputed champion Usyk, but the champion dismissed those speculations earlier this month.

As for Chisora, he was present at the O2 Arena alongside fellow British heavyweight Whyte and American Jarrell Miller before the main event.

Speaking about future bouts and a potential trilogy fight, Chisora said "yes, if the contract is right", before adding that it will "100% happen in December".

Has Tyson Fury Actually Retired?

Forecasting Tyson Fury's future has never been easy.

The former world champion announced his retirement in January after losing against Usyk for a second time a month earlier.

Over the past nine months, Fury has hinted at returns then changed his mind.

Fury has expressed interest in fighting Joshua before claiming he's accomplished all his goals and is happy to stay on the other side of the ropes.

During a recent interview on FurociTV, Fury said there was "no actual reason for me to go back in the boxing ring".

But the 37-year-old was ringside to watch Wardley's win against friend and training partner Parker—and that could have sparked his interest.

Aaron Garcia
Aaron Garcia

Marcus Thorne is a UK-based business strategist with over 15 years of experience in digital transformation and enterprise consulting.